标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago has joined the United States and six Latin American nations in officially endorsing Rodrigo Paz Pereira as Bolivia’s newly elected president. The endorsement was articulated in a joint statement released by the US State Department on October 21, titled ‘Joint Statement on the Bolivia Election.’ The statement was co-signed by Argentina, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. It congratulated President-elect Paz Pereira on his victory in the October 19 runoff election, which marked a significant shift in Bolivia’s political landscape after two decades of leftist governance. The statement praised the Bolivian people for their active participation in the democratic process, emphasizing that the election results reflected a collective desire for change and economic reform. The signatory nations expressed their readiness to support Bolivia’s new administration in stabilizing its economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering international trade and investment. They also pledged to collaborate with Paz Pereira’s government on regional and global security, economic prosperity, and addressing shared challenges. The Associated Press described Paz Pereira’s win as a ‘surprise electoral victory,’ signaling the end of Bolivia’s long-standing alignment with leftist policies. Paz has committed to rebuilding relations with the United States and attracting foreign investment to Bolivia, which has been isolated from international markets for years. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the election as a ‘transformative opportunity’ for bilateral cooperation on investment, immigration, and security. Paz also emphasized Bolivia’s renewed commitment to supporting democratic movements in Latin America, notably engaging with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in this alliance highlights its unique position as the only English-speaking country in the region supporting US-led initiatives, including military actions against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has launched a scathing critique against the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), accusing them of orchestrating a disinformation campaign to shield their alleged drug mafia financiers. In a statement released on October 24, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) condemned the PNM for undermining efforts to combat drug, arms, and human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The Prime Minister highlighted the nation’s vulnerable borders, which have facilitated illegal activities, including the entry of tens of thousands of migrants and the brutal murders of over 10,000 citizens in the past two decades. The OPM further alleged that PNM-controlled constituencies are disproportionately affected by drug-related gang violence, yet the party prioritizes the interests of its financiers over the welfare of its constituents. Amid these accusations, the government welcomed the USS Gravely warship and the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit for joint military training with TT’s defense force from October 26 to 30. This collaboration, part of the renewed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between TT and the US, aims to enhance national security and operational readiness. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of international partnerships in safeguarding the nation, stating, ‘TT must always come first.’

During the October 22 session of the Standing Finance Committee, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander repeatedly invoked ‘national security interests’ to avoid answering questions, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. This approach, while not unprecedented, reached new heights as Alexander dismissed inquiries on topics ranging from police vehicle leasing to minor equipment purchases, labeling them as state secrets. For instance, when MP Keith Scotland questioned the use of drones detailed in the budget, Alexander accused him of revealing ‘national security information.’ Similarly, a $2.5 million allocation for a new unit was deemed ‘operative and covert,’ with Alexander refusing further discussion. This pattern of deflection drew criticism from opposition MPs, who accused the minister of overusing national security as a shield. The situation highlighted Alexander’s struggle to balance operational security with parliamentary accountability, a challenge exacerbated by his recent additional responsibility for prisons in the Prime Minister’s portfolio reshuffle. Critics argue that Alexander, a former TV host and controversial police officer, appears more adept at the operational aspects of security policy than navigating the complexities of parliamentary scrutiny. The PNM’s criticism of Alexander’s lack of transparency also drew scrutiny, given their own history of invoking secrecy during their tenure. The episode underscores the need for greater clarity and oversight in how national security concerns are addressed in parliamentary proceedings.